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Pansies are Orchids?

© Linda Fortner

     The Orchid Garden is a fun place to visit, and learn about all the exotic orchids. I have told you about the Sticks (Denrobiums), Moths (Phalaenopsis), Dolls (Oncidiums), and the Queen of the Orchids, the Cattleyas which I grow in my greenhouse.

     Do you like pansies? These are not the kind that most people grow in their gardens however. I am talking about another orchid with a descriptive nickname of the common pansy. Pansy orchids are the beautiful Miltonias and Miltoniopsis. Even though they are a little harder to grow than some orchids such as the Cattleyas and Phalaenopsis, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful blooms you have ever seen. If you want a challenge, try just one and see how you do with it. For those of you that may be new to the Orchid Garden, you can read the past articles by clicking on "Articles."

     Miltonias were named in honor of Earl Fitzwilliam and Viscount Milton in 1837. Miltoniopsis was placed in its own genus in 1889. You will find many books and hobbist that still refer to the Miltoniopsis species as Miltonias. The Miltoniopsis orchids are a favorite of many orchid hobbyist, because they produce some of the most fascinating and colorful blooms in nature. The flowers are rounded, flat and come in an array of colors like the common garden pansies. The centers of the blooms which are called the "mask" are the center of attention. Many blooms have a waterfall effect made from small dots and bars and others have faces like cartoon characters. The blooms are borne on small spikes and are often very large compared to the plant. As cut flowers the blooms do not last long but on the plant they can last up to 60 days. The leaves are sword-shaped and are light green in color, which make this a very pretty plant. The Miltonias have star-shaped blooms and many have spots and bars. Many species have long flower spikes. The flowers can be quite striking as they open along the spikes. The blooms come in colors of creams, purples, pinks, and browns. I have always preferred to purchase my Miltonias and Miltoniopsis in bloom because of the array of differences that can be found in the blooms. When I cannot purchase the orchid in bloom I try and see a photograph. I love the types with the beautiful "waterfall."

     The cultural requirements are really not that difficult. For many years growers have divided the Pansy orchids into two groups; the warm-growing

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